Gov. Fletcher Responds To Teacher Strike Vote

Frankfort, KY – Governor Fletcher says a strike threat is the wrong tactic to get him to talk to a teacher's union about health insurance. Fletcher asked leaders of the Kentucky Education Association to reconsider a threat to call a strike if their health insurance demands aren't met. The KEA board voted to give Fletcher an ultimatum with a list of demands. KEA leaders says if those demands aren't met, it could lead to a strike by teachers and school employees. The governor says the KEA went too far in calling for an illegal strike. he says it would be inappropriate for him to negotiate in response to the threat. Fletcher recently announced plans to overhaul the state health insurance plan for next year. The move affects thousands of state employees, teachers and school workers. Under the plan, most will pay more in deductibles and co-payments starting in 2005.